Quick Analysis
KTM 85 SX
13.0 pts
Unweighted: 7 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
Suzuki GSX‑8R
27.5 pts
Unweighted: 25 advantages
EnginePerformanceDimensionsBrakesTyresFeaturesOther
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
Engine Specifications |
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| Cooling System | Liquid cooling (0.8L) | Liquid-cooled |
| Displacement | 84.9 cc | 776 cc |
| Engine Type | 1-cylinder, 2-stroke engine | 4-stroke, parallel-twin, DOHC, 8-valve |
| Power | 15.5 bhp @ 11500 rpm | 82 bhp @ 8,500 rpm |
| Torque | 14 Nm @ 8500 rpm | 78 Nm @ 6,800 rpm |
Performance & Efficiency |
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| Fuel Tank Capacity | 5.2 L | 14 litres |
| Mileage | 25 kmpl | 23 km/l |
| Top Speed (km/h) | — | 230 |
Dimensions & Weight |
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| Kerb Weight | approx. 67 kg (without fuel) | 205 kg |
| Seat Height | 865 mm | 810 mm |
Brakes & Suspension |
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| ABS | — | Dual-channel ABS |
| Front Brake | Disc 240 mm | Dual 310 mm discs, radial-mount 4-piston calipers |
| Front Suspension | XACT 43 WP Upside-Down fork, Ø 43 mm | Showa SFF-BP 43 mm upside-down fork |
| Rear Brake | Disc 220 mm | Single 240 mm disc, 1-piston caliper |
| Rear Suspension | XACT WP PDS mono shock | Showa link-type mono-shock, preload adjustable |
Tyres & Wheels |
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| Front Tyre | 70/100 - 17 | 120/70 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
| Rear Tyre | 90/100 - 14 | 180/55 ZR17 (Tubeless) |
| Tyre Type | Tubed | Radial, Tubeless |
| Wheel Type | Spoke | Cast aluminium alloy |
Features & Technology |
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| Headlight | — | LED (projector-style, vertically stacked) |
Other Specifications |
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| Battery | — | 12 V, 8 Ah (Maintenance-free) |
| Bike Image 1 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/241004_GSX_8R_WebsiteAdapts_colorSection_650x428px-09.jpg |
| Bike Image 2 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/All-New-Suzuki-GSX-8R-Revealed-To-Be-A-Brilliant-Badass-3.jpg |
| Bike Image 3 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/detail_ph04.jpg |
| Bike Image 4 | — | https://motoautiv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/suzuki-gsx-8r-rear-view5.avif |
| Cluster | — | 5-inch full-colour TFT display (Bluetooth-enabled, multiple ride modes, traction control, gear indicator) |
| Color Options | Orange | Metallic Triton Blue | #0052A5 Metallic Matt Sword Silver | #B0B5B9 Metallic Matt Black No 2 | #1E1E1E |
| Connectivity Features | — | Bluetooth, ride modes, traction control, TFT display |
| Cons | Not road legal and suitable only for off-road tracks. High maintenance due to 2-stroke engine rebuilds. Kick-start only, no electric start option. Relatively expensive compared to other youth dirt bikes. Small fuel tank limits long riding sessions. | Lacks the high-rev punch of inline-4 sportbikes. Slightly heavy at around 205 kg. Brakes could offer sharper feedback. Seat comfort isn’t ideal for very long rides. Wind protection is limited for high-speed touring. |
| Detailed Overview | The KTM 85 SX is one of the most popular and respected youth motocross bikes in the world, designed specifically for young riders who are ready to take the next big step toward competitive racing. More than just a beginner’s off-road bike, the 85 SX brings true race-bred DNA from KTM’s full-size SX lineup, giving upcoming racers the opportunity to experience high-level performance at an early age. With its sharp power delivery, lightweight design, and premium components, the bike is built to help young riders improve skills and confidently tackle motocross tracks. At the heart of the KTM 85 SX lies its 84.9cc 2-stroke, liquid-cooled engine, which is known for delivering punchy power and rapid acceleration. The powervalve system ensures that the engine produces strong torque across the rev range, making the bike easier to control while still offering impressive performance. Whether riders are attacking tight corners or hitting long straights, the engine responds crisply and delivers the thrilling character 2-strokes are known for. Paired with a 6-speed gearbox, the bike offers smooth shifting and plenty of flexibility for both beginners and experienced youth racers. One of the standout features of the 85 SX is its lightweight chassis, made with high-strength chromoly steel. This frame not only enhances stability but also ensures precise handling, allowing riders to maneuver confidently through jumps, whoops, and rough terrain. The ergonomics are thoughtfully designed to fit young riders, offering a slim body that allows easy movement, better grip, and improved control during aggressive riding. Suspension is another area where KTM excels, and the 85 SX is no exception. It comes equipped with WP XACT suspension, featuring an AER air fork at the front and a fully adjustable shock absorber at the rear. This setup provides excellent damping, great response on jumps, and impressive support on uneven surfaces. Riders can also fine-tune the suspension to match their weight, riding style, and track conditions — something rarely seen in youth motocross bikes. The bike also features powerful disc brakes on both ends, giving young riders the confidence to brake hard into corners. The wave-style discs help with heat dissipation, which is especially important during long practice sessions or competitive races. Lightweight wheels, grippy motocross tyres, and a race-focused design further enhance the overall performance package. In terms of ergonomics, the KTM 85 SX is designed to feel like a miniature version of the bigger SX bikes. The seat height, handlebar position, and narrow bodywork all work together to provide comfort while promoting proper riding posture. This allows young riders to develop good habits early in their riding journey. Overall, the KTM 85 SX is a bike built for serious young racers who want real performance, durability, and race-ready features. With its responsive engine, excellent suspension, strong brakes, and lightweight build, it stands out as one of the top choices in the youth motocross segment. Whether used for training or competition, the 85 SX gives riders a true taste of professional motocross performance. | The GSX-8R brings together Suzuki’s sportbike pedigree with practical everyday usability. At its heart lies a 776 cc liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine featuring a 270° crank and Suzuki’s Cross Balancer shaft — helping deliver smooth, vibration-reduced power with strong mid-range punch. This motor produces around 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm and 78 Nm of torque at 6,800 rpm, paired with a 6-speed gearbox and a bi-directional quick-shifter (up and down) as standard. Chassis-wise, it uses a steel diamond-style frame, cast aluminium 17″ wheels, and premium suspension: a Showa SFF-BP upside-down fork up front and a Showa link-type mono-shock at the rear (preload adjustable). Kerb weight is around 205 kg and seat height about 810 mm, with a 14-litre fuel tank. In terms of braking and tyres: twin 310 mm front discs with radial-mounted calipers, a single 240 mm rear disc, dual-channel ABS, and Dunlop RoadSport 2 radial tyres (120/70-17 front, 180/55-17 rear) ensure capable performance and grip. Feature-wise, it includes a full-colour 5″ TFT display, ride-by-wire throttle, three ride modes (Active, Basic, Comfort), four-level traction control, low RPM assist, and Suzuki’s Easy Start system — packaged under the Suzuki Intelligent Ride System (S.I.R.S.). Styling is aggressive yet functional: full fairing derived from wind-tunnel development, vertically stacked LED headlamps, exposed seat rails, and aerodynamic detailing. Available in three colour options for the Indian market: Metallic Triton Blue, Metallic Matt Sword Silver, and Metallic Matt Black No.2. Overall, the GSX-8R targets riders looking for more performance than a 650cc class sportbike, but with greater everyday usability than full-on liter-class superbikes. The ergonomics strike a balance — clip-ons and sporty lines, yet a comfortable setup for longer rides. The combination of modern electronics, strong mid-range power, and quality chassis and componentry make it a well-rounded middleweight sportbike for the Indian market. That said, some trade-offs exist: the fuel tank is modest (14 L), the seat height may be tall for shorter riders, and the weight means it isn’t the lightest in its class. Mileage in Indian use is claimed around 23.8 km/l (WMTC), though real-world urban figures may be lower. |
| Drive Modes | — | Active, Basic, Comfort |
| Expert Review | MotoAutiv Team | Experts agree that the GSX-8R stands out by offering a rare combination of spirited performance and daily practicality. It shines thanks to its smooth, torquey engine, premium electronics like quick-shifter and multiple ride modes, and high-quality chassis and suspension that deliver confidence on both city roads and twisty highways. While it may not deliver the full high-revving character or ultra-light feel of a dedicated superbike, its strength lies in doing many things well — sportiness, comfort, usability, features — rather than dominating one parameter. For riders looking for a true all-rounder middleweight with strong value, the GSX-8R hits the mark., 4.4, MotoAutiv Team |
| FAQ (Manual Override) | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 18–20 kmpl (may vary as it’s an off-road motocross bike). Q: What is the engine capacity? A: The KTM 85 SX comes with an 84.9 cc 2-stroke engine. Q: What is the seat height? A: The seat height is approximately 850 mm. Q: What is the top speed? A: The top speed is around 110 km/h, depending on rider and terrain. Q: Does the KTM 85 SX have electric start? A: No, it comes with a kick-start mechanism. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The fuel tank capacity is 5.2 liters. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX road legal? A: No, it is not road legal as it is designed specifically for motocross/off-road racing. Q: What type of brakes does it have? A: It features disc brakes at both front and rear. Q: Is the KTM 85 SX suitable for beginners? A: It is ideal for youth riders transitioning to higher-powered bikes, but not recommended for complete beginners. Q: What is the weight of the bike? A: The bike weighs approximately 68 kg (dry weight). | Q: What is the mileage? A: The mileage is around 23 kmpl (real-world mixed riding). Q: What is the engine capacity of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The engine displacement is 776 cc. Q: What is the maximum power of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The GSX-8R produces 82 bhp at 8,500 rpm. Q: What is the top speed of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The top speed is approximately 230 km/h. Q: Does the Suzuki GSX-8R have a quick-shifter? A: Yes, it comes with a bi-directional quick-shifter as standard. Q: What is the kerb weight of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The kerb weight is 205 kg. Q: How many ride modes does the GSX-8R have? A: It offers three ride modes — Active, Basic, and Comfort. Q: What is the seat height of the Suzuki GSX-8R? A: The seat height is 810 mm. Q: What is the fuel tank capacity? A: The GSX-8R has a 14-litre fuel tank. Q: What is the price of the Suzuki GSX-8R in India? A: The ex-showroom price in India is ₹9.25 lakh. |
| Final Drive Type | — | chain |
| Fuel System | — | Electronic fuel injection (EFI) |
| On-Road Price (Subsidy Adjusted, ₹) | — | 1132094 |
| Price Variants | | 669000 | Standard | 925000 | Single variant (Dual-channel ABS, bi-directional quick-shifter, ride-modes) |
| Pros | Powerful 2-stroke engine with strong mid-range performance. Lightweight chassis for excellent handling on tracks. Premium WP suspension for smooth jumps and rough terrain. Strong disc brakes offering sharp stopping power. Race-ready ergonomics designed for young motocross riders. | Strong mid-range torque from the 776 cc twin engine — great for both city and touring. Modern features like ride modes, traction control, and quick-shifter add premium feel. Comfortable riding posture — sporty yet practical for daily use. Good build quality and attractive design. Meets latest emission standards (OBD-2B compliant). |
| Starter | Kickstarter | Electric |
| Transmission | 6 Speed Manual | 6-speed, bi-directional quick-shifter, assist & slipper clutch |
| Vehicle Warranty (Years) | — | 2 |
